The book starts off from Brindisi as the Crusaders, composed of several hundred soldiers and women accompanying them, are about to embark on ships to cross the Adriatic sea for what is now Turkey, (I guess) so they can continue on foot towards Jerusalem.

The family is composed of the father, Garin, a widower, his mother Berthe, his three lovely daughters, Brunissen, 18, Flaminia, 16, and Ala•s and Landry her twin brother, 15. Father Ascelin, a distant cousin, is their protector, mentor and friend. They are fired by an immense desire to deliver Jerusalem from the Infidels at any cost. They have been walking all the way from Chartres in France, their hometown. They implore God constantly to give them courage to accomplish their mission that the crusade will come to a fruitful end. An accident happens as they embark causing much sorrow for the whole family.

Father Ascelin described the girls in this way: Brunissen was discreet and quiet, she had hair like burnt bread with soft brown eyes. Flaminia was adorned with a huge mass of curly red hair, so flamboyant that they seemed to crackle like fire. The twins had curly, golden blond hair with blue eyes."